About the Rotary Club of Nanaimo
Different People. Shared Values.
The Rotary Club of Nanaimo is made up of people with different backgrounds, interests, experiences, and reasons for joining.
Some members have spent decades in Rotary. Others are still discovering what it means to be part of the club. Some are drawn to service, some to friendship, some to learning, and some simply want to feel more connected to the community around them.
What brings us together is a shared desire to contribute, stay engaged, enjoy one another’s company, and be part of something worthwhile.
A Club With Energy and Heart
There is a lot of life in this club.
You will find members working side by side, sharing a meal, listening to a speaker, playing bridge, golfing, gathering through our dinner club, or simply catching up with people they have come to know well.
The atmosphere is warm, informal, and welcoming. People participate in different ways and at different levels, but everyone has the opportunity to find their place.
We take what we do seriously. We do not always take ourselves too seriously.
“There is a real sense of family here. We work hard, have fun, and enjoy being together.”
- Dave H. member of Rotary Nanaimo
Rooted in Nanaimo
The Rotary Club of Nanaimo was founded in 1920 and has been part of the community for 106 years.
That history matters to us. It represents generations of members who have given their time, shared their experience, built lasting friendships, and helped the club continue to grow.
In 2020, we celebrated our 100th anniversary. It was an opportunity to recognize the people and experiences that shaped the club while looking ahead to what comes next.
Our history gives us strong roots, but it does not keep us standing still.
“For more than a century, our club’s legacy has been built through friendship, camaraderie, and the pride that comes from working together to help others.”
- Joan R., member of Rotary Nanaimo
Experience Meets New Energy
One of the strengths of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo is the mix of long-standing and newer members.
Long-time members bring history, knowledge, and a deep understanding of Rotary. Newer members bring fresh ideas, different perspectives, and renewed energy.
That combination helps the club remain strong while continuing to change with the people who join it and the community it serves.
New members are not expected to arrive knowing how everything works. They are welcomed, introduced, and given time to discover the people and activities that feel right for them.
What Holds Us Together
At the heart of the club is a belief that people can accomplish more when they work together.
We value service, friendship, integrity, curiosity, generosity, and follow-through. We appreciate people who are willing to contribute, but we also understand that everyone has different interests, abilities, and amounts of time to give.
There is no single way to be part of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo. Some people are happiest helping at the book sale. Others enjoy golf, bridge, the dinner club, social gatherings, Friday lunches, or hearing from interesting speakers.
What matters is the willingness to participate, get to know people, and contribute in a way that feels meaningful.
“The people I’ve met through Rotary inspire me. I’ve found friendship, purpose, and a place among people who genuinely care about our community and want to make a difference together.”
- Tracy M., member of Rotary Nanaimo
Proud of Where We Have Been. Excited About What Comes Next.
Our semi-annual book sale may be the activity for which we are best known, but the club itself is built on much more.
It is built on relationships that develop over time, members who step forward when something needs to be done, laughter shared over lunch, new people being welcomed, and the satisfaction of contributing alongside others who care.
The club has evolved over 106 years, and it will continue to evolve as new members bring their ideas, experience, and energy.
That is how a club with a long history remains active, healthy, and full of possibility.
Get to Know Us
A website can tell you something about our history and values.
The best way to understand the Rotary Club of Nanaimo is to meet the people who make it what it is.
Explore what membership looks like, join us for Friday lunch, or reach out and start a conversation.